Piki Films to adapt Tina Makereti's THE IMAGINARY LIVES OF JAMES PONEKE
26th June, 2020
Piki Films, the production company run by Taika Waititi and Carthew Neal, has optioned Tina Makereti‘s novel The Imaginary Lives of James Poneke as the first of three projects by Maori writers, with the aim of putting “indigenous writers at the centre” of the creative teams.
The Imaginary Lives of James Poneke is based on the true story of a Maori boy exhibited as a living “curiosity” in Victorian London. Makereti said, “It seems strangely timely to see this story developed into a film, as we witness the toppling of colonial statues and attitudes.”
Piki’s previous productions include hits Jojo Rabbit and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. Click here to read more about their upcoming adaptations.
